© Diakonie Altholstein
KIELER ANKER: Warm place in the rough Kiel wind
“I am involved because I firmly believe that every person should be treated with dignity.”
The Kieler Anker (Kiel Anchor) is far more than a gathering place and provider of hot meals for those in need. Through their sustainable community kitchen, their engaging social city tours, and dedicated volunteer programs, they offer essential support to all people in Kiel who are struggling with hardship. As a committed entrepreneur, Yuen Chi Kwong supports the Kieler Anker by providing regular hot meals for the Kiel ‘Mittagstisch’ (socially inclusive lunch clubs) and has used her business connections to help get others involved too.
Yuen Chi Kwong
Yuen Chi Kwong is a volunteer in Kiel for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. As a committed entrepreneur, she supports the Kieler Anker with regular hot meals for the Kieler Mittagstisch, among other things. Such a donation means providing people in need with a basic necessity that is all too often overlooked. It is not just about satisfying hunger - a meal gives dignity, shows appreciation and creates a bit of normality in the everyday lives of those affected. Hot meals are important for physical health and also promote mental well-being. In addition, shared meals create moments of social interaction that strengthen cohesion and integration. This commitment is of great importance to society: it promotes empathy, breaks down prejudices and makes social responsibility visible and tangible. Yuen Chi Kwong's contribution shows how simple gestures can help to create a more compassionate and united society.
Why are you getting involved?
I am involved because I firmly believe that every person should be treated with dignity. It is important to me to support people in need, to give them attention and to help them receive the help and community they deserve.
What exactly do you do?
As a caterer, I contribute my skills by regularly donating hot meals and helping out at events that raise awareness of the needs of homeless people. I also organise cooking events where we cook and eat together to create a sense of community.
How does your commitment influence our society and the way we live together?
My commitment raises awareness of the challenges faced by homeless people. It encourages others to get involved too and shows that we can all make a contribution. In this way, we create a spirit of solidarity in which no one is left behind.
What does your commitment mean to you personally?
For me, it is a matter close to my heart. It fills me with gratitude to be part of a solution and to see how small gestures can bring about big changes. It's a constant reminder of how important empathy and solidarity are.
What do you wish for the future with regard to the Kieler Anker?
I hope that the Kieler Anker can continue to grow in order to reach even more people. I hope for stronger networking with the local community in order to pool resources and support and find sustainable solutions to the challenges of homelessness.
www.kieler-anker.de
© Diakonie Altholstein
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